Ribbon Work

I’ve wanted to learn ribbon embroidery for years.

Luckily, I didn’t have to look too far for inspiration. The wonderful Miss Ulla lent me some ribbons and her best books on ribbon embroidery. I’m hoping to have some time this weekend to work on some of the techniques in the books.

Look at this gorgeous ribbon work piece that Miss Ulla graciously let me photograph. It is a workman’s sampler that was found in Austria (I think).



The beautiful pink roses and silk embroidered blue bows make me swoon.



The tiny little sequins used to create the basket woven design intrigue me. I think even Marie herself would have adored this piece.


Wish me luck.

Have a beautiful weekend!

19 comments:

BellaRosa said...

Nnacy how absolutely gorgeous that is...I would be thrilled if I could work like that even one teeny tiny iota that beautiful :)Please share your work, it will give us all hope :)Have a wonderful weekend... Rose

LiLi M. said...

Ah! Gorgeous! Stunning! Any superlative doesn't do this work justice! Yes I wish you luck! (The French magazine Marie Claire Ideés has always at least one pattern of this ribbon embroidery in it I believe, sometimes on a skirt or on a purse, but on samplers too).
Have a great, creative weekend, filled with inspiration and love, hugs LiLi

roseroomnz.com said...

that is just beautiful - I too want to learn how to do it, have the ribbon, the book, just waiting on my tutor - my Mummy to teach me! Rachaelxo

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Bonjour Nancy!
Yikes....you must be up early to have visited me and post this lovely post. I sure wish I had time and the eyes to do such a craft as this...I just about went blind, and I am not kidding, a couple of years ago creating a brooch in PETIT POINT! It is beautiful, but I had to use a magnifying glass to use 1 skein of embroidery thread to get the effect! This is a beautiful art; please show us the results and I love you, Nancy! Anita

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

How beautiful, Nancy. Wishing you luck... :)

Sweet Old Vintage said...

Jusy so very lovely...

LindaSonia said...

I can only imagine the amount of patience it took to do that basketweave pattern portion of this piece, but the work is GOR-GEOUS!! I love those two-tone leaves running along the bottom edge. Love ribbon embroidery! :) LindaSonia

Lori said...

oh my!!! that is beyond gorgeous!!! i bought a book on ribbon embroidery a while back but haven't tried it yet..i hope you will show us your work Nancy...maybe you can inspire me to sit down and give it a try...

Sandy said...

Nancy,
I am sure nimble fingers such as yours that can cobble delicate shoes fit for a queen will master the artistry of growing roses on fabric quite easily!

luckygirlgifts said...

That piece is beautiful. Ribbon Embroidery isn't really that difficult. You will probably enjoy it.
I want to do more but I can't ever find the right ribbon anymore.
If you get addicted, let us know where you order your supplies from.
Enjoy your day

Ulla said...

Oh sweet Nancy, I have no doubt that whatever you and yours create will be stunning! I realize now I MUST frame this piece and get it out of my piles... It looks truly wonderful on your blog!
Kisses
Ulla
p.s. lets have tea, so I can see what you have created!

shibori girl said...

I used to do A LOT of silk ribbon embroidery - if you have questions, I'll be glad to answer... and maybe even to share leftovers ;)

Have you discovered Judith Baker Montano's book Elegant Stitches? It's a "must have" for inspiration.

xoxo,

Kate

Elaine said...

What an amazing piece! I hope you found some time to try your hand at it.

I admire those who can create such beauty with their hands.

Martha's Favorites said...

The piece is breathe taking! Wow! Martha

June said...

Hi Nancy,
I agree with Lili, there are no words to describe the beauty of this piece! I know that you will learn this art quickly and that it will be as beautiful as everything you do.
Smiles,
June

LW said...

Stunning…

I have always wanted to learn to do this as well; I love all kinds of ribbon work.
I cannot wait to see what you do; I know it will be beautiful.

Louise

Jdee said...

How beautiful! I drool over this sort of stuff. I love any sort of ribbon work and fine needlwork. This is a beautiful example. Good luck! I know you will love it!
xoxox

Elyse said...

so lovely! keep us posted!

xo

Jessica said...

So lovely! Makes me want to learn ribbon embroidery too!